Christmas Unwrapped

It's an interesting story line so it wasn't hard to watch, but there is no chemistry between the leads. The female lead's character is a reporter that's supposed to be cynical about the male lead's claim to be Santa's helper, but it plays more like she has ill intent. She seems to have a wish to destroy something known for helping so many people, as if it were a noble endeavor. She eventually becomes a believer, but due to the lack of chemistry between the two, the inevitable romance in the end is emotionless and falls flat.

It was fine. The storyline was a little better than most Christmas movies.

2020 was very variable though not too bad when it came to Lifetime's Christmas films, and there was definitely the sense that the films were made in a rush with not a lot of preparation time. Yet enough of them were far from amateur-hour efforts and were still watchable all things considered. Lifetime just have done a lot better in some previous years, although their festive output is very hit and miss it should not be dismissed outright as enough have left me pleasantly surprised.

'Christmas Unwrapped' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good moments and better than expected acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Christmas Unwrapped', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Considering the difficult circumstances though, it did make do perhaps.

Am going to start with the good. Amber Stevens West does a good job as Charity, despite not always being crazy about how the character was written, and attacks the role with charm and enthusiasm. Marco Grazzini has enough moments where he is quite amiable. The supporting cast did very well, particularly Cherion Drakes.

The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime.

However, too much is not successful. Didn't detect much chemistry between West and Grazzini, which seemed disconnected and awkward. Especially later on. It also would have helped if Charity's naivety and cynicism wasn't too exaggerated in the writing, if the romance was developed more and if Grazzini didn't look so embarrassed and wooden in the very forced conflict when he learns the truth.

Generally, 'Christmas Unwrapped's' story never properly grabbed me, as well as being very predictable it is very thin on the ground and drags a lot from too much stretched padding and an uncertain feel most of the time. There isn't enough of an emotional core or charm which made the film come over as bland and lacking in substance too. The direction is competent in some parts but is disorganised and hesitant in others.

Did find the script bland and stilted. The characters could have done with more development and some of the character writing could have been toned down. The ending is too neat, especially considering what the conflict was over.

In conclusion, pretty average but not unwatchable. 5/10.

I've found Lifetime's selection this holiday season to be lackluster at best. Deleting one 30 minutes in. But I loved everything about this one. Both leads did a phenomenal job with the acting plus actual chemistry. This movie also brought back what the made for TV Christmas movies have been shying away from. It infused the romance with the magic of Christmas and Santa. So many of the Christmas movies focus on not much more than the romance as of late. So this was a breath of fresh air with its air of mystery and wonder. I truly loved this one. This production also didn't skimp on the Christmas decorations and back drops of their sets, which I really appreciate! Plus I'd watch Amber Stevens West mime on a street corner. I hope to see her in many movies to come!

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas Unwrapped.

Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2

Total 6.00/10

The reinstatement of Christmas Magic into the storyline made this movie for me. The rest of which is your standard Romantic Xmas fare: Boy and girl are thrown together by circumstances and grow to love one another until the ugly Christmas Humbug rears its head. But the couple, as always, ends their choppy romance in Happily Ever After Land. The magic added the extra oomph these stories usually require. What's also appealing is that at the end of the story, you're still unsure of exactly where the gifts come from, and maybe you believe a little more in Santa Claus and the miracle of Christmastime.

My enjoyment stemmed from the credible and robust characters, though a tad stereotypical, and the slow, subtle, and delightful way the pair fall in love: My enthrallment grew thanks to the superb and skilled cast. It was nice to see Cheryl Ladd, who is still as beautiful as ever, back in front of the camera. But the movie belongs to the lead actor and actress, Marco Grazzini and Amber Stevens West, who have a pleasant and appealing on-screen chemistry. It made the love story more convincing. I would've scored it higher had the writers chosen a not-so-obvious and much-used twist. And had the director spread his wings a little wider. Though the obligatory heart-warming feeling permeates the picture, it's not constant, and worse, especially for a film about Christmas Magic, there's too little.

All in all, Christmas Unwrapped is a delightful film to watch whilst wrapped up in the arms of your loved one, particularly on a bitterly cold December evening. And, even though it could've been better, I can see myself rewatching the picture - now that is Christmas Magic.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.